House Committee on Justice Chairperson and lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro on Monday dismissed circulating claims that a heated confrontation took place during the pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the reports false and urging the public to be cautious of misinformation spreading online.

At a press conference of the House prosecution team on June 22, Luistro addressed a reporter’s question about rumors alleging that participants were “devoured alive” during the pre-trial proceedings.

“That is not true. I charge it to fake news,” Luistro said. “The people should become very cautious now and watch social media. We should be careful in deciphering what is correct and what is false.”

She stressed that she remains mindful of her role representing the public in the ongoing proceedings, adding that she would not be intimidated by any form of pressure or narrative being circulated.

“I am conscious that I am representing the interest of the sovereign Filipino people,” she said.

Luistro rejected the characterization of the proceedings as chaotic or hostile, saying she would not allow herself or the prosecution effort to be undermined.

“Hindi po ako papayag na lamunin nang buhay ng laban ng sambayanang Pilipino,” she said.

Furthermore, Luistro said the House prosecution panel is currently moving to complete the pre-trial phase of the impeachment case, with the marking of exhibits underway for key articles, and reaffirmed that the trial will begin on July 6 as scheduled by the Senate.